Policy Text
ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKPOINT PROCEDURES
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/1/98 STANDARD NO. 081 REVISED: 03/28/18
REPLACES: Rev. 03/01/12
OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines for the physical construction and operation of a Roadside
Safety Checkpoints to promote safety for motorists while acting as a deterrent for
those who violate the laws regulating and controlling motor vehicle traffic. Through
the use of such checkpoints, drivers can be verified as valid vehicle operators.
Additionally, vehicles can be inspected for identification of a driver impaired by
alcohol or other drugs.
POLICY: It is the policy of the Homestead Police Department (HPD) to continue its
roadside safety checkpoint program. This will be done as part of a clear and
concise set of written guidelines developed for governing the procedure on how
checkpoints will be operated within the City of Homestead.
1. Satisfy the legal requirements set forth by the federal, state, and local
governments.
2. Conduct checkpoints with minimal amount of intrusion or motorist
inconvenience.
3. Assure the safety of the general public as well as law enforcement
officers involved.
4. Provide for a selective site selection process based on relevant data.
5. Provide for public information and education to maximize the deterrent
effect and heighten awareness of the impaired driving problem.
6. Provide systematic procedure for data collection and after impact analysis
report to monitor and ensure the standardization and consistency of the
roadside safety checkpoint program.
7. Officer selection should be based on experience and training.
Operational procedures will be covered during a briefing period prior to
each checkpoint.
SCOPE: All employees of this Department shall be governed by the procedures set forth
below.
I. DEFINITIONS:
A. Safety Check: An officer checking for equipment, tag and license violations; verifying
vehicle owner/operator insurance requirements; and evaluating driver impairment.
B. Checkpoint: A designated area where motorists will be stopped to undergo a safety
check.
Roadside Safety Checkpoint Procedures – SOP# 081
C. Operational Plan: A formalized plan of operation detailing functions, locations, times,
manpower needed, assignments, and equipment required to obtain a desired goal.
D. Contingency Plan: An alternative plan to achieve the goals set by the operational plan if
that operational plan cannot be enacted.
II. DEPARTMENTAL GUIDELINES AND SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDELINES:
A. Written guidelines and/or supplemental guidelines prepared for a roadside safety
checkpoint must be prepared in advance and be consistent with this S.O.P. The
guideline must:
1. Be approved by the Uniform Patrol captain, or designee, before commencement
of the checkpoint.
2. Specify signing, safety equipment, warning devices, barriers, etc. that will be
used and their proper use at the scene. This specification will comply with the
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
3. Specify dialogue and educational material to be used by checkpoint personnel.
4. Provide for an operational briefing of personnel before each checkpoint, which
will include the assignments and respective duties of participants.
5. Provide for the removal of vehicles to a predetermined area when further
investigation is required.
6. Provide for the towing of vehicles that will be impounded.
7. Public reaction to roadside safety checkpoints can be obtained by several
different methods. Recommended procedures for obtaining feedback by several
different methods are:
a. Mail in surveys.
b. Verbal comments from motorists at the checkpoints.
c. Periodic public opinion polls.